In 1988, it was estimated that there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries across the world and one of those most affected was India. Each year since 2007, Mike Yates, of the Marple and New Mills Rotary Club has spearheaded visits by hundreds of Rotarians to help with India’s Polio National Immunisation Days.

The aim of the Green Belt is to form a barrier to prevent urban spread, so creating areas where countryside is preserved for agriculture, forestry and outdoor recreation. Around Marple large areas of Green Belt have helped to preserve the feel of a country town but all this could be about to change.

It is said that a week is a long time in politics so for local MP William Wragg the past year must seem like an eternity. It is hard to imagine a more extreme change in lifestyle as he has moved from teaching in a primary school classroom in Rochdale to become a Member of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster.